Technical Committee on Mining Reform Outlines Action Plan to Safeguard Lives, Environment, and Economy
In a significant move to combat illegal mining activities and their associated risks, the Plateau State Government has taken a bold step under the leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. On February 21, 2025, the Governor signed Executive Order 001, 2025, which suspends all illegal mining operations across the state. This action aims to address the growing insecurity, environmental degradation, and social problems that have plagued the state’s once-thriving mining sector.
Plateau State, long regarded as Nigeria’s mining hub, has a rich history dating back to 1902 when large-scale mining industries catalyzed economic growth, job creation, and industrialization. However, the collapse of mechanized mining outfits following the Indigenization Decree of the 1970s opened the doors to unregulated and illegal mining. Over the years, this unregulated sector has led to severe land degradation, environmental pollution, the rise of child labor, illicit drug trade, and increased criminal activities such as banditry and kidnappings.
In response to these alarming trends, Governor Mutfwang convened the Plateau State Technical Committee on Mining Reform. Comprising individuals from key state ministries, traditional rulers, security agencies, and federal mining regulatory bodies, this committee was given the mandate to develop a sustainable mining framework that aligns with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and Mining Regulations, 2011. The committee aims to restore order in the sector, ensure legal mining operations, and protect the rights of host communities.
During a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Jos on February 27, 2025, the Technical Committee outlined the following:
“As you are well aware, on February 21, 2025, His Excellency, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, signed Executive Order 001, 2025, suspending all illegal mining activities across Plateau State. This decisive action was borne out of the governor’s shared responsibility to protect lives and property from the escalating threats of insecurity emanating from mining activities and unregulated mining operations within the state,” stated the committee.
The committee further highlighted the adverse effects of unregulated mining, particularly on the youth:
“It is particularly disheartening that many young people in our state are abandoning their education to engage in artisanal mining, thereby exposing themselves to exploitation, drug abuse, prostitution, and life-threatening health hazards,” the committee noted.
The committee called for support from all stakeholders, urging cooperation from local government chairmen, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and licensed miners:
“We, therefore, appeal to our highly respected traditional institutions, religious and community leaders, and licensed miners to support the temporary suspension of all mining activities in their domains as a necessary step toward restoring sanity in the sector.”
In closing, the committee urged the press to continue their watchdog role in ensuring the success of these reforms:
“To the press, we recognize and commend your professionalism in carrying out your duties as watchdogs of society and we count on your usual unwavering support as we embark on this transformative journey to secure a better future for our beloved state.”
The state government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the future of Plateau State through these mining reforms, while cautioning against the politicization of this patriotic intervention.
